Five Wedding Planning Tips if you’re getting married on the Beach

Getting married on the beach can be a stunningly amazing experience, but it can also be a big risk if you don’t plan very carefully. There are concerns about weather, access, parking, and tidal flow. Have you taken all of them into account? Have you planned the theme right down to the last detail, from summer colors to beach wedding favors? If you’re going to do it, you might as well do it right. Here are a few tips to help you out. Follow them and your seaside wedding should be successful.

Hope for good weather; plan for bad weather. This is perhaps the most important aspect of your wedding planning when you’re getting married on the beach, or anywhere outdoors for that matter. Take into account the possibility that it might rain, the wind may be strong, or tides could be high if it turns out to be a rainy summer. There’s no need to put all your eggs in one basket with an outdoor ceremony and reception. Have a back-up plan that includes an indoor option.

Check on year-round beach access. What kind of access does your beach offer and is that access consistent throughout the year? The summer is usually the busy time at beaches. Will you have the sand to yourself or will you be fighting a crowd? Your best bet is to rent a block of time on a private beach to ensure intimacy and no interruptions. Drunken relatives are bad enough. Wandering, intoxicated strangers are worse.

Is there sufficient parking for your guests and how far is the lot from the wedding venue? You don’t want your guests slogging through 90 degree heat in the middle of August. Make sure there’s easy access from the parking area and plenty of parking for the number of guests you plan on inviting. Beach weddings are typically smaller, more intimate affairs, but there are those who like to do things big. If you’re one of those, be certain to plan properly by making sure the venue is big and has lots of parking.

Choose a beach theme for decoration and beach wedding favors to complete the picture. Just being at the beach isn’t enough if you’re going to wed this way. Make sure you go all out and make each of your guests feel that they are dining at the Tropicana and dancing on the sands. It’s easy enough to do if you pay attention to details.

Check the tides. This is one that gets overlooked more than you might think. An unusually high tide can threaten to engulf the ceremony, while a low tide in certain places may come with an odor if bacteria are present. Make sure you do your homework. If you’re booking the venue in winter you might not be aware of what summer tides will do. Ask the facility manager and check with the town or city you’re holding the wedding in. They’ll be able to brief you on the situation.